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LOT 1214
Presentation Cased New York Engraved Remington
New Model Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 19, 44 cal., 8 inch octagon bbl., nickel/silver finish,
antique ivory grips. This revolver displays classic “New York” engraving from Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke and feature patterns in his iconic style as shown by their relation to those shown in his pull book in “L.D.
Nimschke: Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. Some of the patterns are similar to the example on page 56 of “The Guns of Remington” as well as other examples to varying degrees. While Nimschke’s overall style is very consistent in terms of feel and quality, the variety of different designs he employed is incredible and exhibit his work as a true artist, and that is incredibly clear on this revolver which has a lot of variation in patterns. For example, look at the intricate “layered” interlacing patterns on the frame at the breech and the switch from gadrooning to scrollwork to angled bars alternating with scrollwork and then into fuller scrolls around fan designs along the sides of the frame and the radiating design on the recoil shield. It is truly phenomenal work and not simply the duplication of a set of patterns. The cylinder has interesting double scroll patterns
forming spade shapes and a front track-line and line border. There
are also interlacing double line patterns with dot accents, a variety of
floral patterns, crosshatching, “Nimschke stars,” and more. The level of
variation makes it fell like Nimschke was trying to show off with this one. The revolver also features a pinched blade front sight, the standard three-line barrel marking,
the Remington Special Order Department serial number “19” on the barrel, grip frame, and trigger guard; and “May 19” inside the grips. As discussed on pages 57-58
of “The Guns of Remington,” the Special Order Department serial numbers “during the Civil War apparently did not exceed 100” making these revolvers very scarce and desirable. It comes in a presentation case with a bird and dog pattern flask, ball/bullet mold, cartridge pack, combination tool, cleaning rod, Union Metallic Cartridge Co. tin, and a few balls.
CONDITION: Very fine with stunning engraving, 95% plus period retailer applied nickel plating, 80% plus original silver on the trigger guard with some aged patina forming, 85% plus original case colors on the hammer, and generally only minor overall wear including some hammer marks and drag lines on the cylinder. The grips are also very fine and have attractive dark aged patina with some nice contrast and grain, age lines on the butt, and minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with mild age and storage related wear including some cracks in the lid and contact wear on the interior. The accessories are also fine with minor wear. Overall, this is a stunning cased set, and the engraving on this revolver is truly exceptional.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 1215
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Martially Inspected
Remington Model 1861 “Old Model Navy”
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 15867, 36 cal., 7 3/8 inch
octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Also known as the “Old Model Navy”,
Remington produced approximately 7,000 Model 1861 Navy revolvers in 1862. The top barrel flat is
marked “PATENTED DEC.17 1861/MANUFACTURED BY REMINGTONS’ ILION, N.Y.” The matching serial number “15867” is
marked on the underside of the barrel, inside of the trigger guard (requires disassembly for viewing), left side of the grip frame
and handwritten on the inside of both grip panels. There is a small “W” inspectors mark on the left side of the barrel and frame and on the
cylinder. In addition there is a small “C” on the left side of the frame behind the recoil shield. German silver cone front sight with grooved top strap rear sight. Brass trigger guard with two piece walnut grips with a script “CGC” (Charles G. Curtis) inspection cartouche on the lower left panel.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 95% of the original bright blue finish on the barrel, 80% original bright niter blue finish on the loading lever, 50% original blue finish on the frame and cylinder with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, and distinct markings and edges in the metal overall. The trigger guard exhibits an attractive untouched golden aged patina. The grips are very fine with minor dings and scratches and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Nearly all of the Model 1861 Navy revolvers went to fill U.S. government orders and saw hard use during the Civil War, making this exceptional example considered rare.
Provenance:
The Phillip Otto Clark Collection. Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
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